New tenants' rights ordinance proposed in upcoming Duluth City Council agenda
Edit storyBy Kelli Latuska On Tuesday, at their May 27 meeting, the Duluth City Council will read in for the first time a proposed ordinance
Howie Hanson
Editor & Publisher of HowieHanson.com
What I Cover
I write about power, business, sports and civic life in Duluth and across Minnesota. My columns examine the people making decisions, the organizations behind those decisions and what their choices mean for the communities they serve.
My Background
My journalism career began in 1971 at the Cloquet Pine Knot. More than five decades later, I'm still reporting and writing from Duluth. I publish HowieHanson.com, an independent site built around original columns, local reporting and Minnesota sports coverage.
My Approach
My work combines reporting, analysis and commentary. I believe in checking facts, asking direct questions and giving readers enough information to make up their own minds. My reporting and opinions are mine, and I stand behind the words I publish.
Contact Me
I welcome story ideas, questions, corrections and tips from readers. Email is the best way to reach me.
Email: GuyHowieHanson@gmail.com
Latest
Breaking News & Sports, Thursday
Edit story"McGiffert brings a wealth of experience and community connections to the position, which will help as we create energy and enthusiasm around Marshall’s athletic programs and build the pipeline of incoming athletes.” -- Marshall Head of School Anthony Pisapia.
Reinert provides update on downtown public safety efforts
Edit story“I believe in downtown Duluth, and I believe it will thrive again. Not just as a destination, but as our newest residential neighborhood." -- Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert
Kingston named next Lake Superior College president
Edit storyThe Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has named Linda Kingston president of Lake Superior College (LSC). The appointment becomes
Nurses demand higher staffing from Minnesota hospitals
Edit storyBy Max Nesterak Ericka Helling is used to being attacked on the job. She’s been bitten, slapped, kicked. “And that’s just a
Republish It!
Edit storyA Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert post on Facebook on Monday: "May 19, 1857, marks the official incorporation of Duluth as a town. The
Prep Sports Notebook, Tuesday
Edit storyTODAY'S GAMES Baseball Hermantown at Grand Rapids Superior at Hibbing Thief River Falls at Esko Duluth Marshall at Thief River Falls Cloquet
Minnesota legislative session ends, still with a long to-do list
Edit storyBy Michelle Griffith A narrowly divided Legislature adjourned Monday without completing a state budget for the next two years, ending the session just as
The Topline: Tens of thousands of Minnesotans to lose health insurance
Edit storyBy Christopher Ingraham Welcome to The Topline, a weekly roundup of the big numbers driving the Minnesota news cycle, as well as the smaller
Recommendations to be announced for two intersections near Duluth's Lowell Elementary
Edit storySt. Louis County Public Works engineers have finished gathering input and will announce recommendations for two intersections they've been studying near Lowell
St. Louis County declares state of local emergency, state of local disaster
Edit storyBy Dana Kazel St. Louis County Board Chair Annie Harala has signed a Declaration of State of Local Emergency and State of Local Disaster
The Minnesota Star Tribune announces plans for inaugural North Star Summit
Edit storyMinneapolis, Minn. – The Minnesota Star Tribune has announced plans for its inaugural North Star Summit. Taking place on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 at the
Sunday Sports Notebook
Edit storySuperior City FC defeated the Minnesota Twinstars FC 2-1 in a UPSL Midwest-West Division amateur men's soccer game Saturday night
Wittenberg announces candidacy for ISD 709 Duluth School Board – District 1
Edit storyFrances Wittenberg has officially announced her candidacy for the ISD 709 Duluth School Board, representing District 1, which includes Duluth City Precincts 1–5
Expanded coverage of student-athlete recruiting coming to Minnesota
Edit storyThe Minnesota Star Tribune and Prep Network, a national leader in high school recruiting rankings and coverage based in Plymouth, Minn., are teaming up
Good Reads & Listens
Edit storyToday at The Minnesota Star Tribune: 4 things to watch as Minnesota Legislature races to pass budget before deadlineA short special session may be
Dumping costs on to local property taxpayers is a shifty way to balance the state budget
Edit storyWe’ve been down this road before: When the state faced deficits in the first decade of this century, the state started many of these cost shifts and reduced aid to counties and cities. As a result, property taxes increased by record high percentages that have not been matched since.
Vikings sign Donovan Jackson and 2025 NFL draft class
Edit storySign up for North Report By Craig Peters EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings on Thursday announced they have signed first-round pick Donovan Jackson. The
William A. Irvin open for summer tours
Edit storyVisitors can explore the massive engine room, elegant guest quarters, pilot house, and cargo holds that once carried the raw materials that built America.
Duluth Dylan Fest begins Sunday
Edit storySign up for North Report With the wrap-up of the Homegrown Musical Festival, live music fans can look forward to the 2025 Duluth
Saturday Headlines
Edit storyGood morning, loyal readers. Sign up for North Report DULUTH SPORTS – Duluth FC clipped Joy AC 3-1 in a NPSL amateur men'
Duluth FC clips Joy AC 3-1 in 2025 home opener
Edit story“I’m happy with the result, but know that we can definitely be better. It was a good foundation to build off and glad we were able to come away with the victory.” -- Duluth FC head coach Thomas Pazo
What to know about the U.S. House GOP’s student loan overhaul
Edit storyAggregate limits, or the maximum amount a student can borrow, would cap at $50,000 for undergraduate programs; $100,000 for graduate programs; and $150,000 for professional programs, such as law or medical school.
Minnesota Court of Appeals to decide if state can prosecute cannabis crimes on tribal lands
Edit storyBy Max Nesterak The Minnesota Court of Appeals will review whether the state may prosecute tribal members for cannabis crimes on most Native reservations
Minnesota Power issues public safety notice in response to northeastern Minnesota wildfires
Edit storyMinnesota Power will update customers as the situation evolves through its mobile outage app and website.
Alworth Memorial Fund awards 2025 scholarships to 97 northern Minnesota math and science students
Edit story“For 76 years, the Alworth Memorial Fund has realized there’s no better investment than in northern Minnesota young people with a passion for pursuing careers in math and science-related fields.” -- Patty Salo Downs, Executive Director of the Fund
Duluth FC opens tonight
Edit storyDuluth FC’s new head coach, Thomas Pazo, aims to build on the club's past success in the National Premier Soccer League,
St. Louis County launches study of Midway Road corridor near Pike Lake
Edit storyThe two-mile segment of Midway Road between Highway 194 in Hermantown and North Pike Lake Road in Canosia Township has a variety of
2025 Vikings Regular Season Schedule
Edit storyWeek 1 – Sept. 8 at Chicago Bears (MNF) Week 2 – Sept. 14 host Atlanta Falcons (SNF) Week 3 – Sept. 21 host Cincinnati Bengals Week
Duluth FC hoping to make another playoff run this summer
Edit storySign up for North Report By Howie Hanson Duluth FC’s new head coach, Thomas Pazo, aims to build on the club's
The Duluth Preservation Alliance celebrates Duluth’s historical character
Edit story“The Duluth Preservation Alliance takes a lot of pride in recognizing those whose dedication to preservation is unwavering. Preservation is not easy, and an award like this is a symbolic gesture for their efforts." -- DPA President Blake Romenesko.
Sports Notebook, Monday
Edit storyDuluth Marshall and Esko are the teams to beat in Class 2A, Section 7. Cherry is the team to beat in 1A, Section 7. And, mark it down in your calendar, Duluth FC will hold a public meet-and-greet on Tuesday night.